Arline & John Palmer
October 2020
Studies show that couples who are active together feel more connected¹. Arline and John Palmer, CGC Members since 2017, are prime examples! Married for 40 years, Arline and John agree that keeping active is not only good for their physical health, but also boosts their mental health and emotional wellbeing. You can find both of them regularly attending Gentle Aquafit, and sometimes walking the Track, together. John adds that being in the pool is particularly good for his arthritis.
"Keeping active physically and mentally helps keep me healthy." - Arline & John
Arline – "I was born in Montreal and lived there until 1962, then moved to Halifax, so Montreal, 24 years; Halifax, 46 years. Lived in Niagara for 12 years."
John – "I was born in London, England in 1934. At age 28, I moved to Halifax , and also lived in Niagara for 12 years. So, UK, 28 years and Halifax, 49 years - so my hometown."
- What do you like about the CGC?
Arline – "Mostly the pool area, but also walking the Track when weather is 'anti' walks. However, I do walk our 13 year-old dog three times a day. Before apartment living, we would walk with the dog once a day, with the backyard filling in in between, and walk the Track more often."
John – "Mostly the pool area, but also walking the Track when the weather is bad."
- What motivates you to maintain an active lifestyle/why is fitness so important to you?
Arline – "Keeping active physically and mentally helps keep me healthy and happy."
John – "Keeping active physically and mentally helps keep me healthy, and my body is less likely to succumb to various aging ills."
- What do you like to do in your spare time?
Arline – "Read and keep in touch, by email and phone, with family and friends who live across Canada and the USA."
John – "Read extensively; use the computer for finance; regular coffee times with my ex-RCN friends."
- What is your favourite workout routine/where in the CGC will we find you?
Arline – "Gentle Aquafit in the Leisure Pool and sometimes an evening Aquafit class in the Competition Pool."
John – "Gentle Aquafit in the Leisure Pool."
- What is your favourite food or indulgence?
Arline – " Indulgence is ice cream!"
John – "Smoked salmon, large shrimp."
- What is your favourite post-workout snack?
Arline & John – "Occasionally we stop for a Donair."
- What is your go-to workout song or what are you listening to right now?
Arline – "Dancing Queen by ABBA/70s Easy Beat for Workout NOW."
John – "(There'll Be Blue Birds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover by Vera Lynn, end of WWII."
- What is your favourite movie/book/TV show?
Arline – "Books: I have many, BUT James Herriot's Dog Stories I have re-read several times; TV show: many long gone over the years now, but 'The Big Bang Theory', even re-runs, is fun; Movie: 'Little Women' and 'The Sound of Music' both come to mind. I go back to Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies!"
John – "Book: Theology; TV show: The Big Bang Theory; Movie: Alfie
- What is your favourite quote?
Arline – "Willing is not enough - we must do."
John – "Enjoy being in this moment."
- What is your current workout goal or proudest accomplishment since starting at the CGC?
Arline – "To maintain the level of fitness I have."
John – "To maintain the level of fitness I have, despite arthritis."
- What was your first impression of the CGC?
Arline & John – "NEW when we first visited, and well thought out and many choices of venue and classes."
- What is your favourite memory of the CGC?
Arline – "The pool and hot tub!"
John – "Games played in Aquafit class pre-COVID."
- What do you wish other people knew about the CGC?
Arline – "There is something for all ages and abilities."
John – "Instruction is well done in classes."
